Hunter
08/29/24
An Iowa City man was arrested after an investigation determined he and another suspect provided drugs and alcohol to an underage girl before allegedly forcing her to have sex with them.
The incident reportedly occurred November 2nd, 2022. 46-year-old Robert Seals of Spring Ridge Drive and another man began talking with the 13-year-old at a convenience store, and she got into a vehicle with them. They went to a different store, where the co-suspect purchased alcohol.
Surveillance video from the store allegedly shows Seals getting into the back seat with the girl. She reported that the two provided her with drugs and alcohol as they drove around, which led to her being very intoxicated.
The girl says Seals then held her wrists down and forced her to have sex with him while the other man was in the front seat. The men then allegedly switched seats and the other man forced the girl to have sex with him.
The minor was dropped back off at the convenience store.
Lab results on the girl reportedly tested positive for cocaine, and a sexual assault kit found DNA from Seals.
A warrant was issued May 3rd, 2023. He remained at large until his arrest Wednesday. Seals was charged with 2nd degree sexual abuse and distribution of drugs to a minor. If convicted on both counts, he could be sentenced to up to 50 years in prison.
Seals was also wanted on an April 3rd 2023 arrest warrant for failing to appear for a case management conference on 2nd degree theft and meth possession charges. Those charges come with a possible prison sentence of over five years.